VIRGINIA — A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for parts of southwest and west-central Virginia for Friday and into Saturday morning as another round of wintry weather moves through the state, the National Weather Service forecast office in Blacksburg reported.
Forecasters say snow is likely Friday afternoon through early Saturday, with the advisory period set from 1 p.m. Friday until 7 a.m. Saturday in much of the affected area.
Snow Timing and Accumulations:
Snow is expected to develop Friday afternoon and continue into Friday evening, with the highest likelihood of snow between mid-afternoon and early evening.
Accumulations are forecast to range from 1 to 6 inches across the advisory region, depending on elevation and proximity to the mountains, with greater amounts possible in higher terrain.
Additional light snow or flurries may continue into the overnight hours before ending early Saturday.
Impacts on Travel and Safety:
Snow falling on already cold road surfaces is expected to make highways, secondary roads, and bridges slick and hazardous, particularly during the Friday afternoon and evening commute. Motorists are urged to use caution and leave extra time for travel.
In addition to snow, gusty winds are expected Friday night into Saturday, which could lead to blowing snow and reduced visibility in some areas. Wind gusts have the potential to top 40 to 60 mph, especially along and west of the Blue Ridge Mountains, increasing the risk of isolated power outages and making travel difficult.
Cold Conditions:
Temperatures will remain well below normal through the weekend. Very cold wind chills are likely Friday night into Saturday, with readings possibly reaching dangerously low levels in some areas.
The advisory comes amid a broader winter pattern affecting the mid-Atlantic region, with other systems earlier in the season already producing significant snow and lingering cold.
